8 ISLAND MAP

Oil Nut Bay invites you to enjoy Marina Village, anchored by our signature over-water bar & restaurant, Nova. Visitors can dine on exceptional cuisine from our new menu or enjoy the suspended pool, bar, hammocks and daybeds. The Coffee Shop is open daily and offers a selection of coffees, smoothies and fresh pastries to-go and The Market is a great place to re-provision your boat or grab some take away sushi. The Marina offers fuel, ice, water, slips and mooring balls.

SOL Y SOMBRA

VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

WWW.SOLYSOMBRABVI.COM

Smiths Gore (BVI) Limited 284.494.2446 bernadette.george@smithsgore.com

This spectacular beachfront estate has six ensuite bedrooms in four beautifully decorated air-conditioned pavilions, each furnished with custom-made teak furniture. A great room, office/library, dining room and fully-outfitted kitchen comprise the main pavilion. Outdoor amenities include an ocean-front infinity pool, lighted tennis court, and private decks. Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel equipment, bicycles and other beach and recreational equipment are provided.

The property is just steps away from The Baths, Virgin Gorda’s famous destination, and two unspoiled beaches, Little Trunk Bay and Valley Trunk Bay. A private movie theater, daily maid service, state-of-the art gym and a chef complete the villa’s offerings.

LIME TREE BAY US$22,500,000

SAMSARA VILLA | SHANNON ESTATE | $1,600,000

SEASIDE ESCAPE Little Bay, Tortola, US$4,250,000 VILLA DULCINEA Belmont, Tortola, US$2,500,000 BLU TORTU Belmont, Tortola, US$1,950,000

VILLA KATSURA, LITTLE DIX BAY Virgin Gorda | US$40,000,000 CALYPSO VILLA, CROOK BAY Virgin Gorda | US$3,500,000 HAWK’S NEST SEASIDE, CROOK BAY Virgin Gorda | US$6,000,000 V I R G I N G O R D A

SILVER PALMS Long Bay, Tortola US$2,200,000 PINEAPPLE PLACE Belmont, Tortola US$1,995,000 SUMMERSALT Belmont, Tortola US$1,650,000

SEA PALMS BEACH FRONT VILLA Virgin Gorda | US$2,950,000 TRANQUILITY Little Bay, Tortola US$1,350,000

BLUE MOON, SPANISH TOWN Virgin Gorda | US$995,000 ELYSIUM Little Bay, Tortola US$1,250,000

BELOVED VILLA Virgin Gorda | US$2,250,000 OUTER BANKS Brewer’s Bay, Tortola US$2,400,000

LIME TREE BAY US$22,500,000

VILLA KATSURA, LITTLE DIX BAY Virgin Gorda | US$40,000,000 CALYPSO VILLA, CROOK BAY Virgin Gorda | US$3,500,000

SEA PALMS BEACH FRONT VILLA Virgin Gorda | US$2,950,000 BLUE MOON, SPANISH TOWN Virgin Gorda | US$995,000 HAWK’S NEST SEASIDE, CROOK BAY Virgin Gorda | US$6,000,000

BELOVED VILLA Virgin Gorda | US$2,250,000

Message from the Premier of the Virgin Islands

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie

Welcome, one and all

As Premier of these beautiful islands, we are delighted to welcome you with BVILOVE to our home, the British Virgin Islands. Our small cluster of islands with secluded anchorages, splendid beaches, a world-class marine industry, and favourable trade winds, has combined to earn us the reputation of “Sailing Capital of the World.”

Our magnificent archipelago has re-emerged to showcase even more stunning, pristine land and seascapes. But more significantly, as a people emerging from recent adversity, we have shown resilience and returned to our core values, which we call BVILOVE. BVILOVE is a mantra that unites not only the people of the territory but resonates through all the sectors of the economy and the various aspects of our lives.

We love our British Virgin Islands, and we invite you to love this territory too. In fact, we know that many of our loyal guests have had a lifetime love affair with the British Virgin Islands, and first-time guests quickly embrace us as well.

I am pleased to say that we have a renewed focus on showcasing authentic experiences in the British Virgin Islands, celebrating our people, our culture, and rich heritage of hospitality.

I congratulate and express thanks to Virgin Islands Property & Yacht magazine for joining us in spreading BVILOVE with this special issue that focuses on the jewel in the crown of Virgin Gorda–the North Sound. I am sure you will enjoy the many stories, beautiful resorts, talented people and spectacular scenery being profiled.

However, we hope that your encounter with BVILOVE does not end in the pages of this magazine, but that you will explore our many islands and cays and truly indulge in the many authentic experiences that we have to offer.

Experience our local cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs or local cooks–I’m sure you will love our national dish of fungi and fish; go sailing with our many experienced captains and explore secret getaways, where cobalt blue waves splash against powder white sand beaches; take a safari bus over our lush green hillsides for the most spectacular views; meet some of our colourful characters who are guaranteed to make your visit memorable; discover our many attractions from museums in Tortola, the colourful, laidback beach bars on Jost Van Dyke and nearby cays, the Greater Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda, the Conch Shell Mounds in Anegada and the many other unique experiences found throughout our entire chain of islands.

At the end of your trip, we believe that the only difficulty you will face will be that of choosing your favourite island.

If you are visiting, I implore you to take time for what I would describe as an amazing combination of pleasurable activities, unforgettable sightseeing adventures, and nature-induced relaxation, which will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. Our people are eager to welcome all visitors to our territory, whether you are a repeat visitor or if you are making your maiden voyage to the British Virgin Islands.

Welcome again and thank you for making the British Virgin Islands your destination of choice. Do have an enjoyable visit with us, and we look forward to greeting you with BVILOVE on your next visit!

With BVILOVE, Premier Hon. Andrew A. Fahie

CONTENTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

32

NORTH SOUND SPECIAL

20 OIL NUT BAY MARINA VILLAGE

A destination for charter boats, villa guests and locals alike.

32 NORTH SOUND DIARY

A whimsical diary of a journey around the North Sound on a charter yacht.

40 MORE SWEET THAN BITTER

The iconic Bitter End Yacht Club reopens, better than ever.

20 62

58 A LIFELONG LOVE AFFAIR

A look into Esther Wheatley’s life and love for Virgin Gorda.

PROPERTY

46 We profile some of the hottest real estate in the North Sound and surrounding neighbourhoods. FOOD

62 DELISH

What to do when your lemon tree is plentiful.

REGULARS

12 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

1 8 ISLAND MAP

Explore the BVI